Dry, gritty, or irritated eyes can be a frustrating experience - especially when the discomfort lingers longer than expected. While occasional dryness is common and often temporary, chronic dry eye can persist and even worsen without proper care. Understanding the causes and available treatments can help you find lasting relief.
 

Occasional vs. Chronic Dry Eye

Occasional dry eye may occur from environmental factors such as wind, smoke, air conditioning, or prolonged screen use. In these situations, symptoms like mild burning, redness, or irritation typically resolve with simple measures such as rest, hydration, and the use of artificial tears. These cases are usually temporary and not a cause for concern.
 

However, chronic dry eye often points to an underlying condition that requires more targeted treatment. Two of the most common causes are Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. MGD occurs when the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or produce poor-quality oils, causing tears to evaporate too quickly. Blepharitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation along the eyelid margins that can lead to irritation, crusting, and worsening dryness over time.
 

If left untreated, these conditions can cause persistent discomfort and even lead to damage on the surface of the eyes, making early diagnosis and treatment essential for maintaining long-term eye health.
 

How Long Does Dry Eye Last?

The duration of dry eye varies greatly depending on the cause and how quickly it’s treated.
 

•          Temporary dry eye can resolve in a few days with proper care.

•          Chronic dry eye may persist indefinitely without treatment, as it’s often related to gland dysfunction or inflammation that requires professional management.
 

At Inland Family Optometry, we take a personalized approach to identify the source of your dryness and recommend solutions that go beyond short-term relief.
 

Advanced Treatments for Long-Lasting Relief

Our offices offer leading dry eye therapies designed to restore a healthy tear film and provide long-term comfort. Each treatment is tailored to address the specific causes of dryness, helping patients achieve lasting relief rather than temporary improvement.
 

One of the advanced treatments we offer is NuLIDS PRO, a handheld device designed to improve eyelid hygiene and meibomian gland function. It works by gently exfoliating the eyelid margins to remove debris and biofilm buildup that can block the meibomian glands. By clearing these blockages, NuLIDS PRO helps restore healthy oil secretion into the tear film, reducing evaporation and relieving symptoms of irritation and dryness.
 

We also utilize OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), a powerful treatment that targets inflammation and unclogs the meibomian glands through controlled pulses of light. It is especially effective for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) or rosacea-related dry eye.
 

Another highly effective therapy is MiBo ThermoFlo, which combines therapeutic heat with gentle massage to liquefy hardened oils in the glands. This helps restore natural tear quality and significantly reduces dryness symptoms.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation Today

While some dry eye symptoms are short-lived, persistent or recurring discomfort may indicate an underlying condition that needs professional attention. The good news is that with today’s advanced technology, relief can be long-lasting.
 

At Inland Family Optometry, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating all forms of dry eye using proven, targeted therapies like NuLIDS PRO, OptiLight IPL, and MiBo ThermoFlo. Visit our office in Chino or Rancho Cucamonga, California. Call (909) 345-9809 or (909) 345-6100 to book an appointment today.